We’re expecting an extremely tough match – Juan Carlos Ferrero on Alcaraz-Djokovic semifinal clash

Carlos Alcaraz’s head coach Juan Carlos Ferrero is expecting an extremely tough match when his pupil will take on Novak Djokovic in the semifinal of the ongoing Roland Garros on Friday in Paris. In the only meeting between two players, Alcaraz holds a 1-0 advantage in H2H battle.

In the semifinal of ATP Masters 1000 Mutua’s Madrid Open, the Spaniard had come on top by 6-7(5), 7-5, 7-6(5). It was a thrilling match between the two and the same is expected when they meet at the Philippe-Chartier.

Both of these players have lost a solitary set en route to the semifinal. While Djokovic is chasing history as he is eyeing his 23rd Grand Slam title to become the most successful Male tennis player of all-time, Alcaraz will look to win his second Major.

“It’s very good that he’s looking forward to the match,” Ferrero said as quoted by ATP Tour. “Often you can get nervous and try to put certain situations off because of the difficulties that may be entailed. Looking forward to it is positive. Over these two days he’ll try to relax, recover a bit and get to 100%. As always, he needs to be mentally fresh. Nothing more.”

Ferrero admitted Novak Djokovic is the best of all time and acknowledged his ward will have his work cut out against the Serbian. The Spaniard added that both players have never give-up attitude and the match could go down to the wire.

“Novak is one of the best of all time,” Ferrero reiterated. “Obviously he’s going to make a match of it. These types of players find solutions where others don’t. He will study the match, he knows how Carlos plays and he will come out with a tactic to compete. In terms of attitude, I don’t think he will give in at any point. Carlos’ speed is very, very good. If he can maintain that and dominate the match, he will have his chances to come out on top. Djokovic has shown a million times that he is capable of turning impossible matches around. We’re expecting an extremely tough match.”

Ferrero added Alcaraz is showing an upward swing in his improvement graph and he would look to be at his best against Djokovic.

“He’s improving every year”, said Ferrero. “Playing in these kinds of matches makes you mature very quickly. Every time a match like this comes along, he has to be unfazed and go for it. We’re happy to be able to have another experience against one of the best in history. Win or lose, I’m sure it will make him grow. It will be positive. Often, you learn more from the defeats than you do from victories.”